Millions of students are preparing for college and are faced with the challenge of transforming a boring dorm room into a functional, cozy space.
Furnishing your dorm room with all the things you need and want can be difficult, and it can also cost a lot of money. However, we have some decorating tips for you to help you go back to college and make your second home beautiful even on a budget.
Many students, like rising junior Nicolette Esper, begin their college journey with big plans for their dorm room.
“I would say my first year was chaos because I had too many decorations,” she said. “It’s taken me four years now to figure out what I need and don’t need in my room.”
These days, posters on dorm walls aren’t enough. Enthusiastic students turn to TikTok and Pinterest to discover the latest trends and maybe get inspired by funky makeovers. But what’s most important to make a dorm feel like a home?
Erika Ward of Erika Ward Interiors says: If you want to create a cohesive look, start with the basics.
“The first thing we all have to consider is functionality. As interior designers, we start with that. What function does this room need to serve for me?” Ward said. “Think about the shell of the room. The floor, the walls and the ceiling.”
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She also mentioned do-it-yourself projects you can do – like enlarging your own photos or writing handwritten letters to help you feel confident while on the go.
“And on the ceiling, while we can’t go in and change the overhead lighting, sometimes you can hang mobiles or even LED lights from the ceiling, which all the kids love right now,” Ward said.
For more inspiration, check out Walmart Realm, a part of the company’s website that lets you add items from several developer-curated sections directly to your online shopping cart.
But both students and interior designers will tell you: pay attention not only to style, but also to comfort.
“Sometimes the beds in the dorm aren’t that comfortable. I have maybe two toppers on my bed right now,” Esper said.
Of course, remember that dorms tend to be small, so clever storage solutions are crucial. The good news: you don’t have to spend a lot.
Take a trip to the dollar bin of a major department store or even a thrift store to find different pieces of jewelry that will match your statement piece while also serving a purpose.
But before you go to the store to buy something new, shop at home first.
Things like pillows, picture frames, bedding, lamps, or even a side table are easy to source. And if you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to feel like you have to buy all your decor at once. Pick out a few things you like now, and then keep an eye out for sales online and at your favorite stores in the fall.
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